Discover Seattle and its surroundings: 9 must-do activities

Seattle, the largest city in the state of Washington, is a vibrant city beautifully situated between mountains and water.

Whether you’re an urban explorer or a nature enthusiast, Seattle and its surrounding region offer the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature.

On this page, you’ll find nine amazing things you absolutely can’t miss during your visit!

1. The Space Needle

No trip to Seattle is complete without visiting the iconic Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this futuristic structure offers panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

Take the elevator to the top and enjoy the glass observation deck and the revolving floor, a truly unique experience you won’t forget!

2. Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is no ordinary market. It’s a vibrant hub of culture, history, and culinary delights. Located in the heart of Seattle, overlooking Elliott Bay, it’s a place where you can wander through stalls, small shops, and unique attractions.

The market is famous for its fresh produce and local delicacies. Expect colorful fruit and vegetable stands, artisanal cheeses, and handmade chocolates.

A major highlight is the legendary fish stall, Pike Place Fish Co., where vendors throw fresh fish through the air. It’s a spectacle that draws crowds daily.

Beyond food, Pike Place Market offers art and crafts. You’ll find unique jewelry, paintings, and handmade souvenirs.

As you explore, you’ll likely come across live music and street performers, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss the original Starbucks, located at 1912 Pike Place. The line may be long, but the store’s historic ambiance and exclusive merchandise make it worth the wait.

Did you know that Pike Place Market has underground levels? Here, you’ll find vintage shops, boutiques, and antique stores offering a glimpse into Seattle’s history.

Take a moment to relax and enjoy the stunning views of Elliott Bay from the waterfront.

Arrive early to avoid the crowds and take your time exploring. Taste everything you can and set aside a few hours, as there’s so much to see and do.

Pike Place Market captures the soul of Seattle. It’s a place where locals and tourists come together, and every corner holds a new surprise.

3. Pier Seattle

Seattle’s piers are among the most iconic and lively places in the city. Overlooking Elliott Bay, with a backdrop of towering buildings, they offer a mix of culture, great food, and unique attractions.

Pier 57, also known as Miner’s Landing, is home to The Seattle Great Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels on the West Coast. The views of Seattle’s skyline and waterfront are breathtaking, both day and night.

For fresh seafood, head to Ivar’s Acres of Clams on Pier 54. Their clam chowder is a must-try, especially when paired with a local craft beer.

On Pier 59, you’ll find the Seattle Aquarium, a great place to learn about marine life in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a fantastic activity for families and animal lovers.

The piers also feature unique shops, like Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on Pier 54. This fascinating mix of a museum and souvenir store offers an interesting slice of Seattle’s history.

4. Visit Discovery Park in Seattle

Discovery Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Seattle. This vast nature park offers endless hiking trails, open fields, and stunning views of Puget Sound—perfect for a relaxing day in nature.

From the park’s cliffs, you can enjoy spectacular views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you’ll see Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains, making it a great spot to watch the sunset.

The park is large, so bring a map or download a trail app for navigation. Water and snacks are useful, as facilities are limited. Start early in the morning to enjoy the peace and fresh air.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States. Towering at 4,392 meters (14,411 feet), Mount Rainier attracts thousands of visitors each year. The park features two popular areas, Sunrise and Paradise, each with its own unique atmosphere.

Sunrise, on the east side, is the highest point accessible by car. The views are breathtaking, with panoramic landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. Hiking at Sunrise takes you through alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain, perfect for adventurers.

Paradise, on the south side, is famous for its colorful wildflower meadows in summer. Here, you’ll also find the Skyline Trail and stunning waterfalls like Myrtle Falls. This area is easily accessible and perfect for families or a relaxing hike.

Both areas offer a unique experience of Mount Rainier. Sunrise provides a serene and rugged escape, while Paradise is vibrant and lively. Together, they showcase the full beauty of this extraordinary park.

6. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a diverse landscape of rainforests, mountains, and beaches. Ruby Beach is one of the most stunning beaches, with its rugged coastline and iconic sea stacks.

For nature lovers, a visit to the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest is a magical experience—here, the trees look like they came straight out of a fairy tale.

Forks: the town of the Twilight movies

Forks, a small town in the heart of Washington State, became world-famous thanks to the popular Twilight movie series and books by Stephenie Meyer.

This quiet town attracts fans from all over the world who want to experience the mysterious atmosphere and the world of Bella, Edward, and Jacob. Although the movies were mostly filmed elsewhere, Forks has fully embraced the Twilight theme. You will find shops with Twilight merchandise and themed cafés where fans can immerse themselves in the world of vampires and werewolves.

8. Museum of Flight Seattle

The Museum of Flight in Seattle is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts. Discover more than 175 aircraft, including a Concorde and the original Air Force One. This interactive museum is perfect for families and offers a fascinating insight into the history of aviation.

We flew home on a Thursday afternoon, with our flight back to Amsterdam at 6:10 PM (local time). This gave us plenty of time to visit the museum, which opens at 10 AM.

Tickets for the Museum of Flight can easily be booked online here.

9. Visit a Seattle Mariners baseball game

Are you a sports fan? Then be sure to attend a Seattle Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park. The season runs from April through September, with the possibility of playoffs in October.

This means you have plenty of opportunities to catch a game during the spring and summer months. The stadium not only offers an incredible atmosphere, but also spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay, especially at sunset.

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, attending a game is a quintessential American experience. It’s not just about the sport—it’s about the whole event.

Think hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers, and an enthusiastic crowd coming together to cheer on the Mariners. It’s a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in American sports culture.